From “Proyecto Kieu” (Non-Governmental Organization for Social Development), we went to a town located in the Tuscan-Italian Apennines called Ligonchio. The group from Spain was made up of seven people and the project was developed from 19 to 27 March 2019. During this time, we carried out an international Youth Exchange in which forty-four members participated. The countries that attended were: Mexico, Ecuador, Paraguay, Portugal, Italy and Spain. The theme of the exchange was environmental education, although this exchange was part of a project called “YEEE” based on three pillars: -Informal education. -Social entrepreneurship -Rural assessment. During these eight days, we carried out dynamics of non-formal education on responsible consumption, recycling, environment, respect and connection with nature.

In addition to the above, each country added an environmental workshop of one and a half hours, with the aim of raising awareness and learning more about the subject of this exchange and the methodology of work. Within the profiles of the participants of the exchange, each one totally different from the other and perhaps with different expectations about this learning, a solid and united group was created, working from the first day as a gear and becoming a great family. We were people from different countries and cultures, with different ages, studies, tastes and aspirations; but those differences became tiny since we got involved in the project, in order to learn and contribute as much as possible. It is amazing the small big family that has been created and will continue in the future. Some of us were not in the first exchange, as they are now missing in the second. But this is not an impediment to knowing the good friendships that have been born in these exchanges.

We have learned to live in a small community, which implies a series of good contributions on a personal and emotional level, as we will be very present when we return to our daily routine. Among these contributions is respect, a term that has accompanied us throughout our experience. We must respect each other and commit ourselves to respect the environment through environmental education. These two words mean a lot to us, like the desire to learn how to improve the rural environment, which implies dedication and affection for wanting to improve individually and collectively. During this period we have known alarming data, which we will transmit upon arrival in Spain. In addition, with the intercultural contribution of countries we have managed to obtain different points of view and new ideas regarding environmental protection. In conclusion, we return to Spain wishing to share and raise awareness about everything received.